Herbal Remedies for Diabetes: Garlic and Lemon

“Home Remedies for You” lists the following benefits of diabetes for those suffering from Type II diabetes.

Garlic and lemon are often cited as natural remedies for a host of medical conditions, including diabetes. Recent researches have established the beneficial properties of regularly consuming garlic and lemon either in their pure form or in the food preparations for all diabetic patients. Garlic contains favonoids and allicin which help to fight the anti insulin-inactivating agents in the liver thus preventing inactivation of insulin production. Studies have shown that patients who were fasting and consumed 100 to 125mg of garlic daily showed a considerable decrease in the blood sugar and an increase in the levels of insulin in the blood. Garlic also helps to prevent damage to the skin, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels by controlling the glycation process caused by the high levels of blood sugar. The various properties of garlic also make it beneficial in preventing other medical conditions which usually follow diabetes, i.e. strokes and heart disease. Regular consumption of garlic has also been known to have a positive effect on the high levels of triglycerides and LDL-lipids in the blood and it also helps to control high blood pressure, all of which are problems linked to diabetes.

Similarly, lemon and even vinegar is beneficial for diabetes. Both lemon and vinegar contain acids which help digestion by replacing the stomach acid, eventually altering the rate at which the carbohydrates are processed by the body which has a direct effect on the levels of sugar in your blood. However if your blood sugar levels are very volatile and change frequently, or even if you have frequent heartburn and problems with stomach acid, you should consult a doctor before increasing your intake of lemon or vinegar. The easiest way to increase your intake of lemon is by squeezing the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drinking this every morning on an empty stomach. You can also increase your use of lemon in your food preparations and prepare dishes with a lemon base such as salads, fish, asparagus etc. There are many recipes which use healthy amounts of garlic and lemon to season the foods and are cooked in a minimum of oil, making them healthier without a loss of taste.

Garlic and lemon are of course not cures for diabetes, and they are not enough to manage the condition. Diet, exercise, weight control, and several lifestyle changes may be needed, possibly along with some medication, to properly manage diabetes.